Starting with a base model 1911..

A

Alnamvet

New member
style pistol (any brand will do), take your best shot at building what you think is the ultimate 1911 type for less than $1000.
Mind you, shake and bake ready out of the box guns such as "Loaded"/Custom/etc do not qualify. You must start with the basic model, basic flat phosphate or matte blue finish, and build her your way.:)
 
Let's cut this short and reach the conclusion early:

"Why, a Colt 1991A1, of course...because if it doesn't come with a pony, it's just another wannabe."

You got any other records on the shelf?
 
This is easy. Start with either the KIMBER CLASSIC CUSTOM or the KIMBER CLASSIC STAINLESS and build from there. From what I read on some of the pistolsmith's web sites, you won't need to spend $$ on slide-to-frame fitting or new barrels because the factory Kimber units are good (although they may want to do a barrel fitting). The mag well is already beveled & the ejection port flared, so no need to spend $$ there either. I'd spend the money on a good trigger job, maybe a set of sights, a match bushing, & maybe some rear slide serrations or something if the $$ was there.

Keep in mind - you'll spend $500 to $600 minimum for a quality starting platform. Topping out at $1000 doesn't leave room for a whole lot of work, but I would think you can have a nice pistol for that amount of money.

I've looked into just such a project for my Classic Stainless but the work I want done is closer to $600+ than $400 to $500.
 
I would probably start with a bone-stock SA 1911A1 mil-spec, which can generally be bought for around $400 used. You would be better off starting with a used gun, anyway. It is better to apply the money you save on the used gun to the custom work, than to spend extra money on a new gun. Plus, SA pistols have excellent frame-to-slide fit, which is paramount for a good and accurate gun. I've also noticed that SA fits good barrels, so buying a new barrel is unecessary. At most, you might want have a new bushing fit. With $600 to work with, you can have a good deal of work done. You might as well subtract $75-100 for the sights and any necessary fitting. That leaves you with $500, plenty to build a good, custom gun. Spend another $150 on the hammer, sear, disconnect, trigger, MS housing, ext thumb safety, and the beavertail safety. Then, take the remaining $350 and have a 'smith put it together.
 
New Colt Government Model. Check that the plunger tube is tight and the extractor is tensioned. Grind a small dimple on the slide stop to ensure against accidental engagement (wish the factory would do this). Get some nicer wood grips (optional). If necessary have a trigger job performed.

Costs:

Colt Government Model: $550
Custom Hogue wood grips: $36
Trigger job: $75

Look on face while shooting out X-ring at local range: Priceless

:p
 
EASY

Kimber, MMC adjustable rear, thin front sight blade, McCormick trigger. If not accurate, tweak-fit stock barrel or try Kart Easy-Fit.

That's it. In my experience the Kimbers can be EXTREMELY accurate stock (maybe just great ammo?).

Reliability issues? Ed Brown mags (or I would try my Mag-Packs).
 
Fit a match barrel and bushing.

Swap sites as necessary or desired.

Bevel and checker (or comparable enhancement) as desired.

Refinish.

That's it. Use the rest of the money on ammunition. Put at minimum of 200 rounds through it to ensure accuracy and reliabilty.

Later on tune, polish, and replace things as necessary.
 
Kimber make a nice base gun for further modification as does Colt and Springfield Armory. My first choice would be Kimber because so many of the custom touches have already been done to them at the factory.

7th
 
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